Résumé Help: Muddled to Marvelous
In today’s example, we see a muddled résumé that is an interview-blocker! First the reader must be patient enough to read this tiny print. The next hurdle is the tight spacing and disorganized layout. Jump that hurdle and the reader must read through long explanations with the result hidden at the end. Whew! This candidate is really making the reader work to uncover any sort of valuable skill or accomplishment! We can take this résumé from muddled to marvelous. We specialize in transforming résumés and helping candidates get interviews.
1.) Enhance the Readability
We can enhance the readability by increasing the font size to 10 points and increasing the white space on the document. Also, make the category title stand out by increasing the font size to 12 or 14 points.
2.) Clean Formatting
We can clean up the formatting by using a bit of space between the category title and the first employer, job title/dates, and actual job description. Instead of numbers, he should use bullets. For example, the following would be a clean format:
Professional Experience
ACME COMPANY, Ojai, CA
General Manager (Aug. 2009 - Present)
Plan and control $5 million budget. Manage staff of 43, including 4 supervisors. Direct technical projects for clients spanning 3 states. Recruit, train, and mentor staff. Oversee facility maintenance and equipment purchases. Continuously seek and develop opportunities for new revenue.
- Led board to re-write vision statement, mission statement, and strategic plan.
- Generated $118,000 annually by implementing fee for service program evaluation.
- Increased revenue from $1.6 to $4.1 million through effective investment strategies.
3.) High Impact Message
A résumé is a marketing document. Hiding the accomplishment behind a detail of the functions you performed is not the best way to sell yourself. Start each line with a strong verb and the results you produced. If space permits, you can give a little detail of how you achieved it. However, always lead with the result.
4.) Proofread and Then Proofread Again!
There were numerous misspelled words, incorrectly capitalized words, missing spaces, extra spaces, and illogical language. If you are unsure of your proofreading skills, hire a professional or ask a trusted friend.
If a recruiter read this disorderly résumé, it would be cast aside. If the candidate follows the above four suggestions, he can revamp this résumé into an interview magnet! If you want to read more about résumé writing, check out these blog entries.
Résumé Help: Don’t Bury the Lead
Résumé Help: Accountant Lacking Details and Order
Résumé Help: More to the Story
To see additional résumé suggestions that will help you as you create your own résumé, please click on the image below.
If you would like a résumé critique, please contact Debra Wheatman at debra@careersdonewrite.com or visit us at http://careersdonewrite.com. The Résumé Help blog appears weekly on Mondays.
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